WENDY KIRKLAND - Latin Lowdown Live
Blue Quaver Records BQ021
Wendy Kirkland – Piano/Vocals; Roger Beaujolais – Vibraphone; Pat Sprakes – Guitar; Wayne Matthews – Bass; Steve Wyndham – Drums; Jon Richmond – Percussion
Recorded Live at Chesterfield Jazz Club on November 28th, 2021
After captivating and enthralling audiences across the world during lockdown with her Latin Lockdown Live series of livestreams, Wendy Kirkland brings us an album full of energy and skill and perfectly showcases her love of Latin in style.
It is not hard to see why millions of viewers tuned into watch Wendy’s brilliant Latin Live performances. Her new album Latin Lowdown Live was recorded live at Chesterfield Jazz Club, a club which Wendy herself launched along with Pat Sprakes in 2012. It is a much-needed platform for top UK jazz musicians to share their music with the Chesterfield community and surrounding areas and this energy and excitement is clearly felt throughout this recording.
The choice of material is superb, and the musicians showcase some Latin giants such as Ivan Lins and Joao Donato as well as some brilliant original compositions from Roger Beaujolais and the quietly brilliant Pat Sprakes. Roger Beaujolais, on the vibes is outstanding and his speed at times is truly something to behold. The vibraphone is still an instrument rarely seen and heard but is perfectly suited to this fantastic Latin set. Wendy’s musicians - Pat Sprakes (Guitar) Wayne Matthews (Bass) Steve Wyndham (Drums) and Jon Richmond (Percussion) maintain a solid and skilful feel throughout this live album and transport us to Havana inspired jazz clubs with grace and groove.
’Fairway Blues’ is a perfect example of some serious Latin groove from bassist Wayne Matthews and an exceptional solo from guitarist Pat Sprakes with more than a nod to George Benson. But it is of course Wendy Kirkland that shines throughout this album. A brilliant pianist with inspiring solos that are often mind blowing. I can completely understand why she has been performing to sellout crowds at Ronnie Scotts and regularly referred to as one of the best jazz pianists on the UK scene. Her vocals particularly shine on Sambolero but there is no one track to highlight - she is exceptional throughout.
The closing track ‘Papa Gato’ is the perfect end to this brilliant live album. Fantastic groove, energy, skillful playing and a clear love of Latin. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Sarah Donington
Blue Quaver Records BQ021
Wendy Kirkland – Piano/Vocals; Roger Beaujolais – Vibraphone; Pat Sprakes – Guitar; Wayne Matthews – Bass; Steve Wyndham – Drums; Jon Richmond – Percussion
Recorded Live at Chesterfield Jazz Club on November 28th, 2021
After captivating and enthralling audiences across the world during lockdown with her Latin Lockdown Live series of livestreams, Wendy Kirkland brings us an album full of energy and skill and perfectly showcases her love of Latin in style.
It is not hard to see why millions of viewers tuned into watch Wendy’s brilliant Latin Live performances. Her new album Latin Lowdown Live was recorded live at Chesterfield Jazz Club, a club which Wendy herself launched along with Pat Sprakes in 2012. It is a much-needed platform for top UK jazz musicians to share their music with the Chesterfield community and surrounding areas and this energy and excitement is clearly felt throughout this recording.
The choice of material is superb, and the musicians showcase some Latin giants such as Ivan Lins and Joao Donato as well as some brilliant original compositions from Roger Beaujolais and the quietly brilliant Pat Sprakes. Roger Beaujolais, on the vibes is outstanding and his speed at times is truly something to behold. The vibraphone is still an instrument rarely seen and heard but is perfectly suited to this fantastic Latin set. Wendy’s musicians - Pat Sprakes (Guitar) Wayne Matthews (Bass) Steve Wyndham (Drums) and Jon Richmond (Percussion) maintain a solid and skilful feel throughout this live album and transport us to Havana inspired jazz clubs with grace and groove.
’Fairway Blues’ is a perfect example of some serious Latin groove from bassist Wayne Matthews and an exceptional solo from guitarist Pat Sprakes with more than a nod to George Benson. But it is of course Wendy Kirkland that shines throughout this album. A brilliant pianist with inspiring solos that are often mind blowing. I can completely understand why she has been performing to sellout crowds at Ronnie Scotts and regularly referred to as one of the best jazz pianists on the UK scene. Her vocals particularly shine on Sambolero but there is no one track to highlight - she is exceptional throughout.
The closing track ‘Papa Gato’ is the perfect end to this brilliant live album. Fantastic groove, energy, skillful playing and a clear love of Latin. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Sarah Donington
